For the same reason that people try to sell whole collections. Because they know there is a butt for every seat, even if it means fewer interested butts. Who knows...

He is probably the "top dog" in the Parker dealer world right now. He understands his customers and their desires and how to market to them. I would not be shocked if he would break them up for the right customer and the right $$$
David

My guess is he has them on consignment.

I don't think this will take long at all ! What a pair !

I have seen one or two early Cs where literally the only difference between it and a D engraving wise is more scroll. Now you get a little later in production and the C engraving of dogs and such becomes more intricate, but at the same time, D's get more scroll work in later production.

Did he ever sell that set of parkers he had listed for 100k?

I'm sure they are 0 framed Gary. I have a 30" DHE20 that weighs 6lbs, 8oz., and both of those guns are very close.
I'm not sure I understand the logic in only offering them as a pair either, and individually, my opinion, only, neither are worth over $20-22.
I prefer the twisted or braided borders found on C's, and early Ds, and I like the bordered vignettes over the late D style. C's are more interesting in their variety of floorplates.
All of the above is just my liking and I've never seen a Parker I didn't like.

They are probably consigned and that is the way the owner wants to move them.Also,since they were built for the same person,it makes sense to try to sell them as a pair first.

Not that it should matter, but I think you would find that most of his extensive inventory is consigned. To some degree, this limits him, and other dealers, from being able to do much trading.
I can see situations where a seller might restrict them to being sold together; such as when he needs to raise that amount of cash to buy something else, but one wouldn't get him much beyond half way. An estate sale wouldn't be as likely, as everything is being liquidated in that scenario.
I can see more reasons for a seller NOT restricting the sale to both; they are so alike that when one sells, the other becomes unavailable (let the buyer chose, and I'll keep the other) I've actually done that before .
There are probably many buyers who would love to own either, but simply can't afford both. I imagine we poorer folk out number the Landed Gentry by 5:1 or more. I think they will sell, either way, however I think it would happen much more quickly if they were split up. Steve is known for being willing to negotiate, so it's safe to say he has room when he puts his price on a consignor's gun. I know a few people right now who own guns listed by Steve, and I'm sure they 'could' confirm this.
I guess I'm in the minority, as I like the C for many reasons, more than the D. I'm not rearranging spots on my wall to open up a spot, and I think I'm fresh out of rich Aunts. Sigh.....:violin::violin:

Looked at these guns day before yesterday. they are truly outstanding. By taking pictures of these guns side by side, this gives us the chance to compare the D and C grade engraving.

I guess I never noticed before but is their always such variation in the top lever?